by Jorge Gomez • 2 minutes
At First Liberty, we won’t standby when teachers like Marisol Arroyo-Castro are attacked and punished for expressing their religious beliefs. That’s why we’re taking legal action against the New Britain School District in Connecticut, which is trying to force our client to choose between her faith and her job.
Since December, the school district has refused to allow Marisol to return to the classroom unless she removes a small crucifix from her workspace. The district first put her on a two-day unpaid suspension, then placed her on administrative leave, all while threatening termination. She was recently demoted to a non-teaching position.
Last week, First Liberty and the law firm WilmerHale filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in federal court and a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of Marisol.
“No teacher should be punished for hanging a small cross next to her desk in the classroom,” said Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel at First Liberty. “And, despite multiple warnings before and during litigation that they were violating a recent Supreme Court case, the school district continues to retaliate against Marisol for standing up for her rights.”
“Marisol has been suspended, reassigned, and smeared in the media,” Russell added. “We have no choice but to ask the federal court as well as the EEOC to stop the district’s unconstitutional behavior.”
For Marisol, being a teacher is more than a job. It’s a calling. She loves her job, and she’s great at it, too. Marisol has been teaching in the Connecticut public school system for more than 32 years. Not only is she passionate and dedicated, but also highly experienced and qualified in her craft. She earned a master’s degree in education with a minor in child psychology.
But Marisol’s life is being turned upside down and her teaching career is on the verge of ruin. All because the school district is choosing to be vindictive and hostile toward her simply because of her faith—which is in violation of the Constitution and federal law.
The school district’s actions are blatantly discriminatory. The district ordered Marisol to hide her crucifix even though other teachers can have personal items at their desks.
Other teachers display photos of family and friends, images of Wonder Woman and Baby Yoda, a miniature of the Mona Lisa, New England Patriots football team pennant, inspirational quotes, a photograph of a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a mug referencing a Bible verse.
Marisol should not be forced to choose between her faith and her livelihood. Our laws ensure that no American should ever have to make that difficult choice. Government and public schools must respect the rich history and tradition of religion in America as affirmed by the Supreme Court rather than punish those who cherish it.
Marisol has the constitutional right to display her crucifix in her personal workspace. The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in our Coach Kennedy case made it clear that teachers are free to engage in personal expressions of their faith without threat of being fired.
It doesn’t matter if the principal doesn’t like it. It doesn’t matter if the superintendent doesn’t like it. It doesn’t even matter if the governor of Connecticut doesn’t like it.
Bottom line: Marisol is allowed display it.
That’s why we won’t stop fighting for Marisol until the New Britain School District:
Marisol’s career and livelihood are on the line. She’s counting on us to deliver a victory. Your support today can help get her back to the classroom and protect her right to express her faith.
Marisol is taking a brave stand for her beliefs. She’s not backing down—and neither is First Liberty.
Will you fight for Marisol and stand with First Liberty against religious discrimination?
Your gift today will give our expert attorneys the resources they need to fight back against this out-of-control school district.
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